Can astronomy unlock deeper secrets of fundamental physics? This paper explores how the era of time-domain and multi-messenger astronomy is revolutionizing our ability to study fundamental physics. By leveraging new detectors, instruments, and observations across the electromagnetic spectrum, astronomy is now providing unprecedented opportunities to test and refine our understanding of the universe's underlying principles. Fundamental physics (theory and experiment) coupled with a strong theoretical understanding of astrophysical phenomena (guided by high-performance computing simulations) can tie directly to the amazing new observations in astronomy. Observations in astronomy combined with insights from fundamental physics can guide the development of next-generation astrophysical missions. This approach allows scientists to probe extreme environments and phenomena that are inaccessible through traditional laboratory experiments. This paper argues that physics, astrophysical models, and observations can not only help astronomy probe fundamental physics but guide the needs for next-generation astrophysical missions. The synergy between these fields can lead to breakthroughs in our understanding of gravity, quantum mechanics, and the nature of dark matter and dark energy.
Published in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences, this paper aligns perfectly with the journal's focus on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of astronomy, space science, and related fields. By exploring the role of multi-messenger astronomy in advancing fundamental physics, the study contributes to the journal's mission of promoting innovative research in these areas. The emphasis on next-generation missions also fits with the journal's forward-looking perspective.